SXSW 2011 — The Top 5 Interactive Parties to Attend

The South by Southwest (SXSW) Conferences & Festivals is a social activity that offers a unique convergence of original music, independent films and emerging technologies.

Each March in Austin, people from all over the world converge not only to learn the latest technical breakthroughs but to party!

You want to attend the SXSW interactive parties because they are the perfect place to grab a cold drink, eat some great food, network, see old friends and listen to some great music. Parties are hosted by some of the leading heavyweights in the tech industry, so you’re sure to make new friends and solid connections while enjoying endless free food and drink. Because there are so many parties, I have picked the top five must attend parties.

Kickoff Party at SXSW 2011 – Hosted by TechSet

Every year, Techset opens SXSW Interactive with the must-attend party of the year. You walk into the venue and instantly everyone says you’re a rock star, so bring it! This year’s theme is “Living Rock Stardom” so you arrive dressed for the part and show the peep how it’s done. It’s highly recommend that you sign up early as the event sells out every year.

Time: Friday, March 11 8:00PM

Venue: Enzo

SXSW Interactive ‘Appy Hour’ Party Presented by BestBuzz

Guest list is limited and there will be a DJ and plenty of fun surprises at the event. You can get ‘appy’ and mix and mingle with the industry’s peeps while enjoying appetizers, an open bar, party favors, and our signature Appy Hour ‘BuzzBrew’ cocktails. www.bestbuzz.bz/sxsw

Time: Friday, March 11 @ 5:00PM

Venue: The Belmont @305 6th St

You can RSVP via iPhone or Android only right now. The oompa-loompas are working overtime on the Blackberry, Windows Mobile, and OVI versions.

It’s hard to believe that there is still room to party. This is super popular, so make sure you RSVP: http://go.ning.com/sxsw

Time: Saturday, March 12 8:00 PM

Venue: The Mohawk, 912 Red River Street

Groupon Presents: SXSW Hangover Brunch for the Freely Hungover

Eat the hair of the dog after a weekend of mandatory industry parties and non-stop beeper radiation exposure at a free meal of brunch on Groupon. Enjoy a complimentary brunch buffet to fill your empty stomach and an open bar, stocked with beer, Bloody Marys, mimosas, and well drinks, to fill your empty liver. Give your ears the wake-up call they need with a performance from Slim Richey and the Jitterbug Vipers, featuring the Most Dangerous Guitar Player in Texas. Groupon tells me that their free brunch will expand your stomach with food, your lungs with appreciation, and your mind with knowledge. RSVP is required but does not guarantee entry (first come, first served basis). http://sxswhangoverbrunch.eventbrite.com/

Time: Monday, March 14, 10:00AM

Venue: Iron Cactus, 606 Trinity St

GSD&M + Google Present: The Industry Party

Google and GSD&M says join us for a night of listening, learning, drinking & networking. That includes live music from the Mother Truckers, J. Roddy Walston and the Business plus other special guests.

And you can even browse through an art gallery featuring works from Daniel Johnston, Magda Sayeg, Hugh MacLeod, Ian McLagan, Dave Mead and many more. Show your SXSW badge for entry or RSVP to sxswparty@gsdm.com.

Time: Monday March 14, 7:00PM

Venue: GSD&M, 828 W 6th St

SXSW Trade Show BLOCK PARTY

Mix, mingle and have a drink courtesy of participating SXSW Trade Show exhibitors. The Block Party is the perfect opportunity to watch that new technology demo, find out more about the coolest new startup, or simply network with some of the most plugged-in people in the industry. Be sure to get there early and bring your friends, because the SXSW Block Party is one of the hottest events of the show.

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